2) Casey has been in regular touch with Jonas Valanciunas, the Lithuanian center Toronto selected with the No. 5 pick in the 2011 draft. Casey last saw Valanciunas a few weeks ago in Houston, where the Lithuanian national team was training in advance of an Olympic qualifying tournament.

Valanciunas spent last season playing professionally in Lithuania, but he’s coming to Toronto this season, and Casey says he expects Valanciunas to seize a major rotation role immediately. “He’s been playing against grown men,” Casey said, “and they eat their young over there.”

3) Casey thrilled about Lowry - probably had a lot of imput into decision.